Growing Italian demand adds momentum to Abu Dhabi's visitor economy
14 May 2025 18:11
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Etihad Airways is experiencing significant growth in travel demand between Italy and Abu Dhabi. This increase is bolstering Abu Dhabi's tourism ambitions and strengthening broader commercial and cultural ties between Italy and the UAE.Jurriaan Stelder, Senior Vice President of Network, Alliances, and Industry Affairs at Etihad Airways, stated, "The consistent growth we're seeing from the Italian market highlights Abu Dhabi's appeal as both a destination and a global hub. Italian travelers are responding well to our offerings, with steady demand across both leisure and business segments. This connectivity is enhancing tourism and fostering deeper ties in trade, culture, and investment."Italy has quickly become one of Etihad's fastest-growing European markets, with travel between Italy and Abu Dhabi increasing by 76% compared to 2023. This surge reflects the growing attraction of Abu Dhabi as a destination for Italian visitors.In response to this sustained demand, Etihad has decided to increase flight frequencies, offering triple-daily flights between Milan Malpensa Airport and Abu Dhabi, along with double-daily flights from Rome Fiumicino Airport. This expansion provides Italian travelers with convenient options for visiting Abu Dhabi.The additional daily flight from Milan will be operated by Etihad's new Airbus aircraft, which offers a premium experience that includes a dedicated first-class cabin, fully lie-flat business seats, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an enhanced onboard dining service. This aircraft brings Etihad's signature long-haul comfort to short- and medium-haul travel, further elevating the experience for Italian guests.Starting in November, Etihad will provide more than 10,000 weekly seats in each direction between Italy and Abu Dhabi, representing an 80% capacity increase compared to November 2023. The number of premium seats available will double to over 1,000 per week to meet the rising demand in this segment.The airline continues to strengthen its presence in Italy through strategic partnerships. Working with ITA Airways and Trenitalia, travelers can connect to Etihad flights from Rome and Milan from 14 domestic airports and 31 railway stations across Italy. This builds on the successful codeshare partnership with ITA Airways established in December 2021, enabling enhanced connectivity between the UAE and Italy.Italian travelers are also embracing Etihad's Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which offers complimentary hotel stays for up to two nights, allowing visitors to explore Abu Dhabi's cultural attractions, pristine beaches, and world-class entertainment venues. Stopover bookings from the Italian market have increased by 92% since 2024.As demand from the Italian market continues to grow, Etihad is well-positioned to accommodate the rising number of passengers with its current schedule.
"The solid performance of our routes to Italy reflects Abu Dhabi's status as both a destination for Italian travellers and a convenient global hub," said Stelder. "This growth supports tourism while building long-term value through deeper ties with one of our most important European markets."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
an hour ago
- Arabian Post
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines Expand Global Connectivity
Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have launched a strategic codeshare partnership designed to broaden travel options and enhance connectivity across their global networks. This collaboration enables passengers to access a wider array of destinations with seamless transfer options, utilising the complementary routes of the two carriers. The agreement allows Etihad, based in Abu Dhabi, and Ethiopian Airlines, headquartered in Addis Ababa, to offer joint flight services where each airline sells seats on the other's flights under their own flight numbers. This integration facilitates smoother travel for customers by synchronising schedules and improving booking efficiency. The codeshare spans multiple regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, bringing more destinations within reach for travellers across the two networks. Etihad has been pursuing partnerships to strengthen its footprint across Africa and beyond, capitalising on Ethiopian Airlines' extensive reach as Africa's largest carrier by fleet size and destinations. Ethiopian operates over 60 passenger routes across the continent, as well as significant long-haul services to Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This codeshare allows Etihad to tap into new African markets that would otherwise require complex routing, enhancing its appeal to both business and leisure travellers seeking efficient connections. ADVERTISEMENT The deal is set to improve passenger experience by providing better coordination of schedules, baggage handling, and streamlined ticketing processes. This is critical in a region where connectivity often faces logistical challenges. For Ethiopian Airlines, the partnership enhances its access to the Middle East and onward connections via Etihad's global network, which includes significant hubs in the Gulf region, Europe, and beyond. Joint codeshare agreements like this reflect an industry trend where airlines seek to offer greater convenience through network alliances rather than costly route expansions. Given the competitive aviation landscape post-pandemic, airlines are leveraging collaborations to rebuild passenger confidence and improve load factors. Both Etihad and Ethiopian are looking to capitalise on growing travel demand, particularly the increasing economic ties between the Middle East and Africa. This arrangement also comes at a time when air traffic between Africa and the Middle East is recovering from the disruptions caused by the global health crisis and geopolitical uncertainties. Enhanced cooperation between carriers such as Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines supports the broader goal of facilitating smoother trade and tourism links across these interconnected regions. Travel industry analysts have noted the potential benefits of this partnership in creating more direct routes, reducing layover times, and offering customers a more consistent service standard across flights operated by either airline. Improved connectivity can also foster business growth, as companies in Africa and the Middle East increasingly require reliable travel options for corporate and cargo purposes. Both carriers have committed to leveraging their respective strengths: Etihad's reputation for premium service and advanced fleet, including its recent expansion with fuel-efficient aircraft, and Ethiopian Airlines' robust regional presence and operational expertise. Ethiopian has also invested in modernising its fleet with Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s, positioning it as a key player in African aviation. ADVERTISEMENT Further, this partnership aligns with Ethiopian Airlines' vision to be the leading aviation group in Africa, enhancing its hub status in Addis Ababa while connecting with global markets more efficiently. For Etihad, this codeshare is part of a broader strategic plan to deepen ties with African markets, which are expected to see significant passenger growth over the next decade due to demographic trends and economic development. Both airlines emphasise that customer benefits include more options to book single tickets across both carriers, improved flight connections with less waiting time, and streamlined travel processes such as through-checking of baggage. These improvements reflect ongoing efforts in the aviation sector to raise service quality and passenger convenience amid rising competition. The codeshare covers flights connecting Etihad's Abu Dhabi hub with Ethiopian's African network, facilitating travel to key African cities like Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, and Johannesburg, among others. This effectively expands Etihad's reach into high-demand African markets, supporting tourism, business travel, and diaspora communities. Regulatory approvals for the partnership have been secured from relevant aviation authorities, and the two airlines are moving quickly to integrate reservation systems and coordinate marketing efforts. Industry observers see this as a model for future collaborations between Middle Eastern and African carriers, with potential for further joint ventures or equity partnerships down the line. While the partnership is expected to bolster passenger volumes, it also has cargo implications. Both airlines operate significant cargo services, and improved network coordination can enhance freight movement efficiency, which is vital for trade and supply chains across the regions involved. This development highlights the strategic importance of partnerships in the aviation industry, especially for carriers seeking to optimise resources and enhance competitiveness without the high costs of route duplication. For travellers, the collaboration between Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines offers a practical solution to accessing a broader range of destinations with improved connectivity and reliability. The initiative also coincides with broader trends where Gulf carriers are strengthening ties with African airlines, reflecting the rising economic and geopolitical importance of Africa. Enhanced air connectivity is a key driver of investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between these regions. Both Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines have underlined their commitment to safety, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, indicating that this codeshare will be part of a long-term strategy rather than a short-term tactical move. They aim to leverage this partnership to capture emerging opportunities as global travel patterns evolve, particularly in linking Africa with global markets through efficient hub-and-spoke systems.
Broadcast Pro
7 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Orange expands satellite connectivity with Eutelsat OneWeb deal
The new multi-year agreement builds on long-standing relationship between the two companies. Eutelsat Group and global telecom leader Orange have signed a new agreement that will see Orange enhance its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications capabilities through access to Eutelsats OneWeb constellation. The move marks a strategic step by Orange to expand its satellite solutions portfolio, offering high-throughput, low-latency, and resilient connectivity for enterprise and government clients worldwide. This investment allows Orange to combine OneWebs extensive satellite coverage with its existing terrestrial networks, enabling seamless, secure and uninterrupted service even in remote or underserved areas. The partnership supports Oranges broader mission of digital inclusion by ensuring that businesses can access critical services regardless of geographic challenges, while also supporting global mobile backhauling. Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat, said: 'Eutelsat is delighted to further reinforce its relationship with Orange and looks forward to supporting its ambitious project to provide premium, ubiquitous connectivity to its customers. LEO-enabled services are becoming an integral technology for global telco operators. We are delighted to have been selected by Orange to enhance its service to its enterprise customers.' Jean Louis Le Roux, EVP Orange International Networks, added: 'It is of strategic importance for Orange to invest in the unique LEO European solution that provides best in class, resilient, tailored and sovereign digital connectivity services to serve our customers wherever they are located. The partnership with Eutelsat for OneWeb services is of vital importance to support their digital transformation.' Orange and Eutelsat enjoy a long-standing partnership. Orange is the exclusive reseller of Konnect VHTS capacity for consumer broadband in France under an agreement dating back to 2020, while earlier this year Orange Middle East and Africa inked an agreement for capacity on the Eutelsat Konnect satellite to deliver satellite internet over its footprint.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
9 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
There's a new Italian café in Abu Dhabi and it's impossibly chic
There's a new reason to visit Saadiyat Island (as if we needed one) and it smells like espresso and tastes like la dolce vita. Café Ginori has officially opened at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, and it's nothing short of a love letter to Italian elegance, fine craftsmanship and timeless style. This isn't your average café. As soon as you step into Café Ginori, you can expect to enjoy a fully immersive experience that pays tribute to the incredible heritage of Ginori 1735 porcelain (yes, that's almost 300 years of history), housed within one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic luxury resorts. Designed with flair and a dash of whimsy, the space is decked out with bold elements from Ginori's Domus home décor line. We're talking vibrant Oriente Italiano wallpaper, plush bespoke cushions, and beautiful custom-designed seating. It's a visual feast even before the food arrives so make sure you come ready to take some snaps. Speaking of food, the menu is a standout. Curated by the café's so-called 'Master of Plating' (yes, really), it's a modern ode to Italian classics. Expect artisanal pastries, vibrant antipasti, and really good espresso. Each dish is as beautiful as it is delicious, so prepare to be fed and wowed. Whether you're popping in for a quick cappuccino or lingering over a long, luxurious brunch, this spot is all about capturing the spirit of allegria – that uniquely Italian joy of life, flavour and design. So next time you find yourself on Saadiyat Island, make a detour to Café Ginori. It's where Mediterranean café culture meets St. Regis glamour – with a generous swirl of porcelain charm. If you need a refresher on The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, this a 5-star hotel on the shores of Saadiyat Island with 376 guest rooms. The resort offers three outdoor pools and a 25-meter indoor lap pool at The St. Regis Athletic Club. There's also the award-winning The Spa at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and, of course, lots more dining options: Olea: All-Day Dining Sontaya: South East Asian Lemoni Garden by Sontaya: Rooftop Bar Mazi Abu Dhabi: Modern Greek The Manhattan Lounge: Bar and Lounge Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi: Pacific Rim Cuisine To book please call +971 2 498 8443 or email
